Rating: 
Summary: Well-written, though i think Roberson should write a sequel.
Review: This book was well-written and captivating; you had to read it to the end. i think, though, that her ending was a bit inconclusive and almost screams for a sequel. the reader is left to wonder what became of each of the characters they grew to love (or hate) while reading the book. Roberson's book gives Robin Hood fans a new concept to think about: Maid Marian. Marian was previously not a central figure and i think it is good that she has finally been given due credit. . .and Robin Hood needs a lover. it adds to the romantic side of the old ballads.
Rating: 
Summary: A Psychological Portrait of Legendary Characters
Review: This is a really captivating novel based upon the Robin Hood legend. While I anticipated the usual blend of intrigue, chivalry, adventure, and courtly romance, I wasn't prepared for the emotional force of this book. Roberson draws out the complex psychological conflicts experienced by people in vastly different circumstances. Her compassion for their trials and tribulations enables us to see some good in just about everyone, from the murderer, William Scarlet, to the Sheriff of Nottingham. Prince John is the only one who appears to have no redeeming quality, but that allows us the satisfaction of disliking him thoroughly.
Rating:
Summary: New perspective on the legend of Robin Hood
Review: This was a very good book. The only reason that I didn't give it five stars was because I didn't really "fall in love" with the characters. I love books that give a new perspective on a story, especially if it is from a woman's point of view, and in this case Roberson does an excellent job. Very well researched and pieced together.
Rating:
Summary: With this novel, Roberson deserves a place among the best!
Review: This was my first full novel by Roberson and I was impressed! Up until this time I had only read her short stories. I have reccomended this book to over five of my friends and all say it rates high on their lists of "must reads". I liked how the emphasis was placed on Marion and not always on Robin. I also liked that the characters were NAMED. How many times have you heard of a traditional name like the Sherrif of Nottinghaam have a name? Never in all of the legends that I read have I heard him called by anything other than "the Sherrif." I also liked the different portrayal of Guy of Gisbourne. He is no longer the infallible evil demigod but a knight who won his title through money. All in all this book was great for someone who doesn't know the legends and for anyone who wants a good time.
Rating: 
Summary: A mannered and mechanical retelling of the Robin Hood legend
Review: This was my first Jennifer Roberson novel, and I was disappointed. The plot meanders to an unsatisfying conclusion. Worse, in her efforts to add complexity to the familiar characters of Robin, Marian, the Sheriff and others, she resorts to annoyingly mechanical devices and gestures ... Marian is always fetchingly disheveled, Robin suffers constant flashbacks from the Crusades (including an unsettling Will He or Won't He plot line involving the sexual preferences of Richard the Lionheart), and the Sheriff all but twirls his moustache as he hatches evil plots. I actually started to count the number of times Roberson used the lines "She gathered up her soiled kirtles" and "He arched an eloquent eyebrow," but I lost track. Prize for the Most Annoying Character in the book goes to Much, the miller's son who joins Robin's band. In Roberson's version, the poor boy only speaks in one and two-word snippets. Tiresome! Strangest Physical Trait for Lead Char! acter: Robin has white hair. Definitely not sexy! I envision Ed Begley, Jr., playing Robin in the movie version.
Rating:
Summary: compelling, intellectual re-telling of a classic legend
Review: unlike so many of the vacuous re-hashings of the classic Robin Hood legend, "Lady" delves deeply into medieval society, its customs and mores to extract believeable, three-dimensional characters who are as familiar as they are refreshing. Impossible to put down, the romance, laughter, and unexpected agonies of the soul contained within make for one of the most fantastic historical fantasy works around. Stay tuned for the sequel!!
Rating:
Summary: A sad disappointment: What Happened?
Review: What hooked me immediately was that here was a novel written by Jennifer Roberson that was available; the first Cheysuli Omnibus 1, SHAPECHANGER'S SONG, made a more-than-good impression upon me. Also, seeing the 'Bestselling Author' branded on top of the book cover goaded my assumptians into believing that Roberson was a dependable author. However, Roberson's attempt to redraw the legend of Robin Hood and Marian, plus the merry gang, failed horribly. At first, the prologue immediately attracted my attention. The author had immersed the reader in a high tensioned excited scene starring the "obsessed" Sheriff of Nottingham and Lady Marian. This technique was more effective on me because I was made quite restless for well-written, well-plotted books. The prologue and the first few chapters held high potential until Roberson decided to add more story perspectives as more characters entered the story. In this case as the members of the soon-to-be merry band of outlaws made its appearance in the book, more switching between the characters' viewpoints occurred. Most of those perspectices were just two pages in length, and keep in mind that the LADY OF THE FOREST began with the perspectives of Marian of Ravenskeep, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Robert of Locksley. Over ten character shifts were juggled. This greatly tired and annoyed me throughout this gruesomely bulky book. The positive feedback from "Publisher Weekly", "Booklist", and Marion Zimmer Bradley certainly mislead me, and during the 791 pages, I continued to puzzle over the saneness and credibility of those reknown sources. Though the summary from the LADY OF THE FOREST paperback edition baited readers with an intimate telling, Roberson style, about the love and endurance between Marian and Robin Hood, the writing failed to provide strong characters, and certainly failed to capture the depth of the two classic characters' relationship. Omitting several character viewpoints would be necessary to maintain a high consistent reputation. Then the story can concentrate on Marian and Robin Hood, and Robin Hood and Marian. Overall, this book had the potential even before readers had finished chapter two: the seemingly original depiction on a well-known story foretold in the summary; the praising comments from authorities of the publishing realm; the promise from the bestseller author of the Cheysuli series. The real outcome, however, was immense disappointment. Don't buy the book. I would rather read the Cheysuli series and Juliet Marillier.
Rating:
Summary: An Interesting New Twist
Review: While this new try at a well told and much loved tale does drag on in a few points, I believe it's worth it. Robin is a wonderful example of PTSD or Post tramatic Stress Disorder in his flashbacks and depression. He is a genuine hero that you can feel for, and though the end could be seen as weak, it is believable in its disapointing conclusion.
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable telling of the tale...
Review: You know, I would never have picked this book up at random. However, on account of someone mentioning it to me (thanks Vincent!) I have to say that I'm amazingly glad I did. Jennifer Roberson is amazingly talented (well, I heard the sequel wasn't so great, but this one is excellent) She bleeds the right amount of description into her writing to keep it entertaining (in fact, I couldn't put it down) and yet has enough turns and suprises to earn that fifth star. Either way, it's worth picking up and spending an evening with.
Rating:
Summary: Lady of the Forest
Review: You know, I would never have picked this book up at random. However, on account of someone mentioning it to me (thanks Vincent!) I have to say that I'm amazingly glad I did. Jennifer Roberson is amazingly talented (well, I heard the sequel wasn't so great, but this one is excellent) She bleeds the right amount of description into her writing to keep it entertaining (in fact, I couldn't put it down) and yet has enough turns and suprises to earn that fifth star. Either way, it's worth picking up and spending an evening with.
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